After reading the thread about a bag to carry a rifle I got to thinking about my recent experiences with rifles at the airport(s).
Here's a few inconsistencies/anomalies (apparently) I have experienced.
First few airline trips (pre 9-11) I needed to insert the "Weapon is unloaded" and loack the case and all was good.
Post 9-11 things changed a bit.
In DC I needed to insert the "unloaded" tag, lock the case and then subsequent to that unlock the case for the security folks (as I watched) and they verified the rifle and case contents and once again lock the case.
Upon return to DC my rifle case was held at "special" baggage until it was verified I was the owner of the baggage.
Last trip out of the DC area I still needed to insert the "Unloaded" tag and lock the case. The rifle was then placed on the baggage conveyor and away it went. A short while later I was paged to come to security. Upon arrival at baggage security (cipher lock door) I was asked to provide the key for the rifle case. I told them I'd open the case and the reply was "It's behind this door and you don't have access". So I gave the fella my key and he presumably open my rifle case, inspected it and then closed and locked it once again (out of my sight).
After arrival at the hunting area my rifle was held in "special" baggage for me to pick up.
On the way back from this last trip I once again needed to insert the "Unloaded" tag and loack the case. This time my bags were NOT x-rays or screened at all, they were purposely placed onto the baggage conveyor behind (after) the security check. No second check by security personnel. Upon arrive back in the DC area my rifle was just dumed out on the conveyor and presented as any other piece of baggage.
I don't feel too good about our airport security system in the first place but ir sure seems amiss when things are purposely NOT screened and my rifle(s) are left for anyone to claim.
Stories anyone??
Here's a few inconsistencies/anomalies (apparently) I have experienced.
First few airline trips (pre 9-11) I needed to insert the "Weapon is unloaded" and loack the case and all was good.
Post 9-11 things changed a bit.
In DC I needed to insert the "unloaded" tag, lock the case and then subsequent to that unlock the case for the security folks (as I watched) and they verified the rifle and case contents and once again lock the case.
Upon return to DC my rifle case was held at "special" baggage until it was verified I was the owner of the baggage.
Last trip out of the DC area I still needed to insert the "Unloaded" tag and lock the case. The rifle was then placed on the baggage conveyor and away it went. A short while later I was paged to come to security. Upon arrival at baggage security (cipher lock door) I was asked to provide the key for the rifle case. I told them I'd open the case and the reply was "It's behind this door and you don't have access". So I gave the fella my key and he presumably open my rifle case, inspected it and then closed and locked it once again (out of my sight).
After arrival at the hunting area my rifle was held in "special" baggage for me to pick up.
On the way back from this last trip I once again needed to insert the "Unloaded" tag and loack the case. This time my bags were NOT x-rays or screened at all, they were purposely placed onto the baggage conveyor behind (after) the security check. No second check by security personnel. Upon arrive back in the DC area my rifle was just dumed out on the conveyor and presented as any other piece of baggage.
I don't feel too good about our airport security system in the first place but ir sure seems amiss when things are purposely NOT screened and my rifle(s) are left for anyone to claim.
Stories anyone??